Introduction

Relevance of the Theme

Ancient Rome is the foundation of Western civilization and the cradle of political, legal, and social concepts that still influence today's society.
Understanding the transition of Rome from a Monarchy to a Republic is essential to understand the evolution of power and governance in human history.
The social organization of Rome, with its patricians and plebeians, the structure of the family, the importance of the army, and the great influence of Roman law serve as a model for understanding the functioning of the ancient world and the formation of modern states.

In the study of History, Ancient Rome occupies a central place, as its influence still resonates in our current world through its language, law, architecture, engineering, among others.
The discussion about the Monarchy and the Republic in Rome is the first step to understand the trajectory of this Empire from its foundation in 753 BC until its fall in 476 AD.
This topic is situated in the sequence of study on the first civilizations, preceding the understanding of the Roman Empire as an imperial power.

Roman Monarchy: The Roman Monarchy provided the basis for Rome's rapid expansion. In this regime, authority was concentrated in the hands of a single ruler, the king. Although this institution was later abolished, many aspects of the monarchy continued to influence Roman life during the republic and the empire, such as the division into social classes and the system of laws.
Foundation of Rome: The legend of the foundation of Rome by Romulus and Remus, the sons of the God Mars, is a very important myth to understand the beginning of the Monarchy. Romulus kills his brother and becomes the first king of Rome, starting a dynasty.
Urban and social development: During this period, there were various urban, social, and economic advances that shaped the future of Rome. The city was divided into two categories: patricians, who were the most prestigious citizens, and plebeians, who constituted the working class.
Army: During the Monarchy, the Roman army was decisive for its territorial expansion. The Roman army was a professional force, with highly trained and organized soldiers.

Curia: Refers to the thirty divisions of the population of Rome, also known as "curiae". Each curia was led by a curio, who was responsible for representing the interests of his group.
Senate: An institution that played a prominent role throughout the history of the Republic and the Roman Empire. It was composed of the "patres", the heads of the aristocratic families of Rome.

The First King of Rome: Romulus, son of the God Mars, was the first king of Rome. The legend of the foundation of Rome by Romulus and Remus exemplifies the mythical beginning of the Monarchy.
Monarchical Legislation: The laws of Rome during the Monarchy were codified by Romulus. These laws, known as "Laws of the Twelve Tables", were the basis of Roman civil law, which influenced future legislation around the world.
Territorial Expansion: During the monarchical period, Rome expanded rapidly, moving from a small city to one of the main powers in the Mediterranean. This was possible due to the strong Roman army, which won several battles against neighboring peoples.

Mythical Beginning: The legend of the foundation of Rome by Romulus and Remus, sons of the God Mars, provides a starting point for the Roman Monarchy. Romulus, by killing his brother, took the throne as the first king of Rome, establishing a lineage that would last for seven kings until the transition to the Republic.
Social Organization: During the Monarchy, Rome was a hierarchical and stratified society. There were two main social categories: patricians, the elite, and plebeians, the working class. This division directly influenced politics, economy, and law in Rome.
Monarchical Legacy: Many aspects of the Monarchy continued to influence Rome during the Republic and the Empire. The laws, the law, the social structure, and the army were all legacies of the Monarchy that shaped the future of Rome.

Monarchy-Republic Transition: The transition of Rome from a Monarchy to a Republic represented a significant change in Roman governance. The implementation of the Republic allowed for broader participation of citizens in decision-making and city governance.
Continuity and Change: Despite the change in political regime, many aspects of the Roman Monarchy, such as the division into social classes and the role of the army, remained present during the Republic and the Empire. However, the Republic brought with it important political and institutional innovations that helped shape the history and legacy of Rome.

Describe the legend of Romulus and Remus – Explain the mythical importance of the story of Romulus and Remus and how it is linked to the foundation of the Roman Monarchy.
Identify the differences between patricians and plebeians – List the main social, political, and economic differences between patricians and plebeians during the Roman Monarchy.
Analyze the contribution of the army in the expansion of Rome – Describe the importance of the Roman army during the Monarchy and how it contributed to the rapid territorial expansion of Rome.